A meta-analysis conducted by researchers from Auburn University, Old Dominion University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examined workplace stressors across nearly 800,000 workers over six decades. The findings indicate that role ambiguity is the most detrimental factor contributing to stress, with 52% of U.S. employees reporting anxiety or panic symptoms in the past month. The study highlights that role ambiguity, which arises from unclear expectations, can severely impact job satisfaction and performance. It accounts for 47.5% of the variance in burnout, making it a critical area for organizational improvement. Amid ongoing layoffs and the uneven adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, the need for clearer role definitions has become increasingly urgent. As companies downsize, role ambiguity is likely to worsen, leading to heightened stress levels among remaining employees. The research suggests that leaders must prioritize clear communication and support to alleviate this stress, fostering a more stable work environment.